Q1. What is one of the primary environmental impacts of excessive sand mining from riverbeds?
- Increased agricultural productivity
- Lower construction costs
- Depletion of groundwater tables
- Improved river navigation
Correct Option: 3. Depletion of groundwater tables.
Explanation: Sand acts like a natural filter and sponge, facilitating the percolation of surface water to underground aquifers. Excessive sand mining disrupts this process by removing the sand bed that helps recharge groundwater. This results in:
• Lower water tables
• Drying of wells and borewells
• Reduced irrigation capabilities
Example: In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, areas like the Papagani river basin saw significant groundwater depletion due to illegal sand mining.
Q2. Which of the following is a major economic consequence of illegal sand mining in India?
- Boost in tourism
- Reduction in food inflation
- Rise in employment opportunities
- Revenue loss to the government
Correct Option: 4. Revenue loss to the government
Explanation: Illegal sand mining avoids proper licensing and royalty payments, leading to significant losses in public revenue. This:
• Weakens local economies
• Encourages corruption
• Supports the growth of a black market economy
For instance, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra lose hundreds of crores in uncollected royalties due to widespread illegal mining.
Q3. Which Indian state prohibits the use of mechanized boats for sand mining and has banned such activity in Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ)?
- Maharashtra
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
Correct Option: 2. Karnataka
Explanation: Karnataka’s sand mining policy includes:
• A ban on mechanized boats and machinery to prevent large-scale extraction
• Prohibition of mining in Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZs) due to ecological sensitivity
These measures aim to reduce coastal erosion, loss of aquatic biodiversity, and disruption of livelihoods dependent on river ecosystems.
Q4. What is ‘M-Sand’ and why is it considered a sustainable alternative to river sand?
- Sand produced during mining of metals
- Marine sand used for agriculture
- Mechanized sand from offshore mining
- Manufactured sand from crushed stones
Correct Option: 4. Manufactured sand from crushed stones
Explanation:M-Sand (Manufactured Sand) is produced by:
• Crushing hard stones like granite in controlled environments
• Ensuring uniform grain size and fewer impurities
Benefits:
• Reduces dependence on river sand
• Helps curb illegal mining
• Ensures consistent quality for construction
It is widely adopted in urban infrastructure and high-rise building projects across India.
Q5. Which of the following is not an exemption under the sustainable sand mining guidelines for environmental clearance?
- Manual sand extraction by hereditary potters
- Sand removal after flooding by farmers
- Desilting of village tanks under MGNREGS
- Commercial extraction of sand using dredgers for sale
Correct Option: 4. Commercial extraction of sand using dredgers for sale
Explanation:The Sustainable Sand Mining Guidelines (2016) exempt certain small-scale, non-commercial, and traditional practices from needing environmental clearance, such as:
• Extraction by potters and artisans
• Desilting under MGNREGS
• Post-flood sand removal by local farmers
However, commercial-scale mining, especially using dredgers or heavy machinery, is not exempt and requires:
• Environmental clearance (EC)
• Monitoring and compliance